Easy hang shower curtain

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a new design for a shower curtain which is easy to hang by the user. The shower curtain of the present invention comprises an elongated flap panel which runs the length of the top of the unit and folds over the shower curtain rod and fastens to itself. Notably, appropriately positioned along the top and bottom of this panel extension is a series of corresponding snap fasteners. Although the fastening means illustrates the use of snaps, other fastening means are also useful for this invention. Other fastening means include, but are not limited to: plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and a plastic “Zip-Lock™” type fastener, for example.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,402, filed Apr. 16,2008, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Easy Hang ShowerCurtain.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to the field of shower curtains, and morespecifically to the field of shower curtains with improved hangingmeans.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several designs for shower curtains have been put forth by the priorart.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,922 to Wade describes a Two-on-one snap,self-installing and supporting curtain and valance assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,624 to Brown III, describes an adjustable showercurtain positioning arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,840,155 to Stern describes an alternative embodiment ofa shower curtain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a design for ashower curtain which is easy to hang by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the shower curtain of the present invention in place on ashower curtain rod.

FIG. 2 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of the presentinvention being fastened.

FIG. 3 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of the presentinvention completely fastened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Perhaps nothing is so calming at the end of a hectic day than soaking ina hot bath. Lighting a scented candle, filling the tub with fragrantbath salts and laying back while a current of warm water circulatesaround the body; spending a few moments of quiet time relaxing in thebathtub can truly refresh the body, mind and spirit. Similarly, standingunderneath a cool shower can be revitalizing and invigorating,particularly after an intense workout. Letting the water stream over thebody while pulsating jets gently massage the back, neck andshoulders,—standing beneath the flowing water of a shower head can be arelaxing experience. Regardless of whether one is enjoying a long soakin a warm bath, or simply jumping in the shower to clean up afterfootball practice, the first thing most people do upon climbing into thebath is close the shower curtain. Shower curtains are extremelypractical devices designed to provide bathers privacy when bathing. Mostimportantly, a shower curtain, tucked within the walls of a bathtub, canprevent streaming water from running onto the floor when one is taking ashower.

Although there is little dispute that a shower curtain is a practicaland necessary bath accessory, use of one is not always withoutdrawbacks. Particularly, the means of installing them to shower rods canbe time consuming, frustrating, and even costly. Common shower curtainsare affixed to rods via a set of independent snap hooks, with eachindividual hook stretched around the rod before being looped through aseries of grommets, peppered along the top of the curtain.

Tedious, this process can leave one exhausted by the time it iscompleted. In addition, when the shower curtain needs to be cleaned,each hook must be carefully removed from each grommet and the unitreplaced in the same manner as installation. Struggling with the snaphooks can also be a painful endeavor, as these high-tensiled instrumentscan easily pinch the fingers when installing or removing a curtain.

In contrast, the shower curtain of the present invention folds over theshower curtain rod and fastens to itself. Although the fastening meansillustrates the use of snaps, other fastening means are also useful forthis invention. Other fastening means include, but are not limited to:plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and a plastic “Zip-Lock™” typefastener, for example.

The present invention is hereinafter referred to as “Easy Hang ShowerCurtain,” a unique product invention which provides consumers apractical solution to the aforementioned problems. As the name implies,the Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a specially designed shower curtainwhich can be quickly and easily hung. Similar in appearance to atraditional shower curtain, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain is manufacturedof lightweight vinyl, plastic or a comparable synthetic material.Corresponding liners are included for sale with each Easy Hang ShowerCurtain. Generally rectangular in shape, this unique shower curtain issized appropriately to accommodate any bathtub shower stall. Thisproduct also can be produced in sizes appropriate for single, freestanding shower stalls. The most notable aspect of the Easy Hang ShowerCurtain however, is found in the method of attachment to the existingcurtain rod. As opposed to traditional shower curtains which feature aseries of circular shaped openings along the top edge for use inapplying hanging hooks, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain boasts an elongatedflap panel which runs the length of the top of the unit. Notably,appropriately positioned along the top and bottom of this panelextension is a series of corresponding snap fasteners. As such, to hangthe curtain the user simply folds this extension over the curtain rod,pressing each male snap fastener into the corresponding female fittingand the unit would be secured in place, without the use of hanging hooksor rings. The Easy Hang Shower Curtain can be produced in a myriad ofattractive colors to correspond with existing bathroom decor, as well asin various neutral hues.

The Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a unique product invention that offersconsumers a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, theEasy Hang Shower Curtain provides consumers with a simple, affordable,and hassle-free bath accessory. Replacing the standard, tiresomesnap-hook-to-grommet method of shower curtain installation, thiscleverly designed shower curtain features easy and convenientcorresponding snap fasteners, enabling the user to hang the curtainwithout additional hardware. As such, users can apply and remove an EasyHang Shower Curtain in a matter of seconds. In this manner, consumerswould be able to avoid the painful pinchings that can result fromstruggling with standard hanging hooks. In addition to providing aneasier means of installing, changing, or simply removing shower curtainsfor cleaning, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain offers an aestheticadvantage. The hidden fastener design lends an elegant appearance to anybathroom. While the Easy Hang Shower Curtain was primarily conceivedwith household users in mind, hotels and other lodging establishmentswill find this product a practical and attractive addition to baths intheir guestrooms.

An innovative product invention, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain handilyimproves the process of shower curtain installation and othermaintenance. Simple in design and application, this product alsoprovides secure attachment to any shower rod.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and variousmodifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skillin the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings and the appended claim.

1. A shower curtain which has male snap fasteners at intervals along itstop edge, and female snap fasteners corresponding to the male snapfasteners approximately six inches away from the male snap fasteners toprovide a fastening means for the shower curtain by folding the top edgeof the shower curtain over the shower curtain rod and snapping the malesnap fasteners to the female snap fasteners.
 2. The shower curtain ofclaim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are placed at intervals of about 4″to about 8″.
 3. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fastenersare made of stainless steel.
 4. The shower curtain of claim 1 whereinthe snap fasteners are made of plastic.